Key Facts
- ✓ Samsung is expected to host its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026 in February to introduce the Galaxy S26 lineup.
- ✓ The standard Galaxy S26 is rumored to feature a 6.3-inch FHD+ display, slightly larger than the 6.2-inch screen on the S25.
- ✓ Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is expected to power the entire S26 lineup, though the Exynos 2600 may be used in some regions.
- ✓ The Galaxy S26 Ultra may switch back to an aluminum frame after using titanium on the S24 and S25 Ultras.
- ✓ Samsung is reportedly exploring a partnership with Perplexity to integrate its AI search engine into OneUI and the mobile browser.
Quick Summary
Samsung is gearing up for its first major product launch of the year. Following a busy 2025 filled with new foldables and the launch of Google's XR platform, the tech giant is expected to host its first Galaxy Unpacked event of 2026 in February.
The spotlight will be on the highly anticipated Galaxy S26 series, but rumors suggest the event could also feature updates on the Galaxy Z TriFold, new audio hardware, and potential AI integrations. While an official invitation has yet to be sent, here is a comprehensive look at what the industry expects Samsung to unveil.
The Galaxy S26 Lineup 📱
Based on leaked images and industry speculation, Samsung is taking a restrained approach to the design of its next flagship phones. The company is not expected to radically reinvent the look of the Galaxy S26, S26+, or S26 Ultra. Instead, the lineup will likely stick with a similar aesthetic to the Galaxy S25, featuring a flat front screen and frame with rounded corners.
The cameras will be housed in a vertical pill-shaped plateau on the back. While the external design may remain familiar, the internal components are set for a significant upgrade. Qualcomm's new Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip is expected to power all models, though reports suggest Samsung's own Exynos 2600 chip could be used in specific regions, a strategy the company has deployed in the past.
These new processors should deliver improved performance, with the Snapdragon variant particularly adept at on-device AI processing. The standard Galaxy S26 is rumored to feature a slightly larger 6.3-inch FHD+ display compared to its predecessor, along with 12GB of RAM and a battery capacity of 4,300mAh.
The camera setup for the base model is expected to remain unchanged, featuring a 50-megapixel main sensor, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, a 10-megapixel 3x telephoto, and a 12-megapixel selfie camera. The Galaxy S26+ is expected to mirror these specs but retain its 6.7-inch screen and 4,900mAh battery.
"Unlike Apple's move from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, the biggest difference here will likely be internal components like the screens, chips and camera sensors Samsung uses."
— Industry Analysis
Galaxy S26 Ultra & S Pen Changes
The differences between the Galaxy S26 Ultra and the S25 Ultra are reportedly more distinct. Leaks indicate the camera module will be slightly more raised and feature a new metallic finish. Additionally, Samsung may switch back to an aluminum frame for the Ultra model, moving away from the titanium frames used on the S24 and S25 Ultras.
The most significant rumored change concerns the S Pen and wireless charging. To ensure the phone fully supports the Qi2 wireless charging standard without requiring a case, Samsung is expected to remove the S Pen digitizer layer. The company is reportedly adopting a new method for accepting stylus input, which could allow the device to work more easily with Qi2 accessories while retaining stylus functionality.
Unlike Apple's move from the iPhone 16 Pro to the iPhone 17 Pro, the biggest difference here will likely be internal components like the screens, chips and camera sensors Samsung uses.
New Audio Hardware & Foldables
Samsung is also rumored to introduce the Galaxy Buds 4 and Buds 4 Pro. Following the major redesign in 2024 that aligned them with Apple's AirPods, the new models are expected to feature a more compact case and less angular stems. Leaks suggest the earbuds will support head gestures to accept or decline calls, a feature currently found on Apple's AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4.
Furthermore, the Galaxy Buds 4 series may ship with a new Ultra Wideband (UWB) chip, making them easier to locate via Google's Find Hub network.
Regarding foldables, Samsung announced the Galaxy Z TriFold in late 2025 without a firm release date for North America. After showcasing the device for hands-on demos at CES 2026, the company is expected to provide more details on a wider release at the February Unpacked event.
The S26 Edge & AI Partnerships
The Galaxy S26 Edge is expected to remain a distinct option in Samsung's portfolio rather than replacing the 'Plus' model. Leaks suggest the phone will feature a design reminiscent of Google's Pixel phones, with a large rectangular camera plateau. It is also rumored to be slightly thinner than the S25 Edge, measuring approximately 5.5mm compared to the previous 5.8mm.
On the software front, Samsung is exploring partnerships beyond Google. Reports indicate the company is nearing a deal with Perplexity to integrate its AI-powered search engine across OneUI and Samsung's mobile browser. Additionally, a new version of Samsung's Bixby assistant is expected to be integrated with Perplexity, potentially serving as an alternative to Google Gemini.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming Galaxy Unpacked event appears to be a refinement-focused launch rather than a complete overhaul. With the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 chip and potential Qi2 support, the Galaxy S26 lineup aims to solidify Samsung's position in the high-end market. The continued evolution of the Galaxy Z TriFold and the introduction of new audio hardware further demonstrate Samsung's commitment to a diverse ecosystem.
As February approaches, all eyes will be on Samsung to see how these rumored specifications translate into reality. The event will likely set the tone for the company's strategy throughout 2026, balancing hardware innovation with deeper AI integrations.
